DCHS Softball Parents Voice Concerns Over Field House Changes

A Friday post to Facebook expressed a concern of parents of Dade County High School softball athletes. A significant change has been taking place within the school’s sports facilities. The hitting lanes, previously located inside the softball field house adjacent to the locker rooms, are undergoing a transformation. These lanes are being converted into a weight room that will cater to all students and athletes enrolled in the weightlifting class.

The Facebook post reads as follows

“Did you know?
Parents of DCHS softball athletes have been made aware of the softball/baseball hitting lanes located inside the softball field house, immediately adjacent to the softball locker rooms, are being converted to a weight room for all students and athletes who are enrolled in the weightlifting class.
There are multiple issues:
1. Males in the weight room while the players are changing.
2. The hitting lanes have been moved to the upper level of the gym and are not located near their personal hitting equipment or changing facility.
3. The hitting lanes are not set up/efficient for training and it’s mid season.
4. The softball team is losing more than 50% of their field house when they are currently the smallest field house/locker room on campus.
While we support Dade County athletics, the DCHS softball team has earned far more respect than they are being given. In the past 11 years, the softball team has finished in the top 3 of the region 9 times, leading all other sports in the school district.
We have utilized the chain of command and our concerns have been voiced to the coaches, principal, and superintendent. On Monday, 8/28, at 5 pm, we will express our concerns to the school board. The last comment made by Mr. Ingle, the school superintendent, was he did not see any problem with the current plan.
Please join us!” (Read the post here)

The Dade County School System is aware of the issues and are taking steps to ensure the safety of all students.

Parents have taken steps to address these concerns, voicing their apprehensions to the coaches, principal, and superintendent. As part of their efforts to voice their concerns, parents intend to raise the issue at the next meeting of the school board which is scheduled for Monday, August 28th, at 5 pm.

The agenda for the upcoming Board meeting is below. Those who wish to watch the meeting can take part can attend in person or watch live on the KWN News Now Facebook Page:

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
4. Adoption of Agenda
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Superintendent’s Report
   1. Character Strong in Dade County Schools/Recognition
   2. Facilities Update
   3. GaDOE Update – EOC Grading
   4. Student Services Report
7. Information Items
   1. Alliance for Dade – George Williams – Strategic Plan
   2. Primary Health Care – School Based Health Clinics
   3. Department Reports
      1. Jeremy Roerdink – Grants
      2. Information on Washington DC Trip – Dade Middle School
      3. Special Programs Report and Recognition – Susan Reyes
8. Public Input
9. Action Items
   1. FY25 Renovation/Modification for Davis and Dade Elementary
   2. Monthly Financials and General Fund Reports
   3. Fundraisers
   4. Transportation – Parts for School Bus
   5. Grants
      1. Dade Middle School ESSER III ARP LL Opportunity Math Grant $3,177
      2. Safer Georgia School Round 1 Grant – $250,000
      3. ESSER II – School Custodian Bonus – $10,756
10. Enter Executive Session for personnel, property, safety, and students
11. Exit from Executive Session
12. Personnel Report
13. Adjourn